Alix Small, 26, from Forfar, passed away on November 8.
Pro bodybuilder Alix Small who has died aged 26(Image: alixsmallll / instagram)
A Scots bodybuilder who battled anorexia has tragically died aged just 26.
Alix Small, from Forfar, a two-time IFBB Pro League Fitness champion who made it all the way to the Olympia stage, the world’s most prestigious professional bodybuilding competition, passed away on November 8.
The athlete’s mum confirmed the news with Beyond The Stage TV, a bodybuilding news channel, while tributes have poured in from loved ones and fellow bodybuilders across the globe. Alix’s cause of death is not yet known.
The Beyond the Stage TV announcement reads: “Shocked to hear the terrible news of the passing of 2 x Fitness Pro winner and Olympian Alix Small. I was passed this information by her best friend and mother earlier today. My thoughts are with her friends and family.”
Alex’s mum wrote: “My beautiful girl. Our hearts are broken.”
Kerry Sexton, a fellow IFBB pro, scribed: “My heart hurts. Gone way too soon. She was such a lovely, special human. So many love and prayers to her family and closest friends.”
Phoebe Goodwin, another IFBB pro, penned: “I honestly don’t have the words. Alix, I still can’t quite believe you’re gone. You were such a funny, caring and thoughtful person, and I’ll always remember the kindness you showed me.
“I’ll never forget you being there for me when we got home after winning my IFBB Pro card. It’s a memory I’ll always hold close. Life is so incredibly cruel sometimes. I wish we had more time and more memories to make.
“Sending so much love to your family. You’ll be missed more than you know. Rest peacefully, Alix.”
Olympia coach Tamara Vahn commented: “Oh my goodness. I am shocked. I’ve been fortunate to share the stage with this incredible woman. My heart is sad. My condolences to her entire family and fitness squad.”
Whitney Jones, IFBB pro, said: “So incredibly sad. This is awful news and I pray for her family and friends. She was an amazing person.”
Corinne Bean, IFBB pro, added: “She was my first ever bodybuilding friend. We shared some struggles and wins. She confided in me a few times, but always seemed hopeful. Her mom @karensmall is so welcoming and supporting. Oh my gosh, I can’t imagine, Karen. I’m so sorry.”
Alix was a rising star in the sport having secured her pro card at just 19 years old and winning her first pro show in the same year, the 2021 Europa Pro Championships in Spain.
She also nailed down an incredible win at the 2022 Mr. Big Evolution Pro in Portugal which earned her another Olympia invite which she had to pull out of due to health issues. She never competed again as a pro.
Throughout her career, Alix was open about her battle with eating disorders which started at just 15 years old, when she went from healthy eating to extreme starvation that saw her weight plummet as she struggled with anorexia and then bulimia. She said her bodybuilding helped her recover, allowing her to shift her focus to getting strong.
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